Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that his tough approach to discipline could have cost United dearly. The Scott won 13 league titles during his time at United, but insists his approach to management may well have cost the Red Devils success.

In an extract from his forthcoming book ‘Leading’, posted on Manchester United’s Facebook page, Sir Alex admits he placed discipline at the top of his priorities as a manager. However, he also said his approach had an impact on his side’s record – something that could have prevented his side from winning titles.

He writes: “People will give a manager plenty of opportunities to crack the whip so it’s best to pick and choose your moments. You don’t have to dish out a punishment very often before everyone gets the message.

“I place discipline above all else and it might have cost us several titles. But if I had to repeat things I’d do it precisely the same because discipline has to come before anything else.

“Discipline was drummed into me from an early age. On school days my dad would always shake my leg promptly at 6am. Maybe that’s why, a couple of decades later as manager, I got into the habit of appearing for work before the milkman arrived.”

[Quotes from the Telegraph]